In 2011, USA Baseball continued a rolling invitation process for the players named to the 18U National Team Trials, and the organization will use the same model again in 2012. A minimum of 40 athletes will be identified for the 18U National Team Trials through the USA Baseball Tournament of Stars (TOS), the USA Baseball National Team Identification Series (NTIS) and by recommendations from professional scouts, college and high school coaches, and the amateur baseball community. As players are named to the team, USA Baseball will publicize the announcement(s) through a press release and/or by post to USABaseball.com.

The primary identification vehicle for the 2012 USA Baseball 18U National Team Trials will be the Tournament of Stars (TOS) presented by Major League Baseball. To attend this event, players must be invited by USA Baseball based on recommendations or nominations by USA Baseball National Member Organizations, college recruiters, professional scouts, college and high school coaches, and/or the amateur baseball community. The TOS features 144 players representing various youth baseball organizations from across the United States. During the week-long TOS, USA Baseball Task Force members and National Team coaches will evaluate each of the 144 athletes and select a minimum of 24 players to attend the 2012 USA Baseball 18U National Team Trials.

Another identification event where players can qualify for the 2012 USA Baseball 18U National Team Trials is the NTIS. The event is held each September in Cary, N.C., and provides USA Baseball with an advanced look at the upcoming class of top players at the 18U competition levels. At the NTIS, USA Baseball Task Force members will identify a minimum of eight players for the following season's 18U National Team Trials. Players identified in 2012 will be eligible for the 2013 USA Baseball 18U National Team Trials. Players identified in 2013 will be eligible for the 2014 USA Baseball 18U National Team Trials. Players may participate in the NTIS through a regional qualification process or via the USA Stars at-large program.

During the 18U National Team Trials, players will participate in practices, intrasquad Red vs. Blue games and the Prospect Classic. From the 18U National Team Trials 28 players will be selected to compete for one of the final 20 roster spots on the 2012 USA Baseball 18U National Team. In 2012, the 18U National Team will compete in the IBAF 'AAA'/18U World Championships in Seoul, Korea.

Additional events may be held throughout the year by USA Baseball which may also be used to identify players for current or future 18U National Teams. These events may include -- but are not limited to -- the Labor Day Cup, Breakthrough Series, 17U Championships, 17U National Team Development Program, National High School Invitational and additional events held at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, N.C.

Contact Brant Ust, Director, 18U National Team, with any questions regarding the 2012 USA Baseball 18U National Team selection process.

To be considered for the Tournament of Stars or the 18U National Team Selection Process in general, please click here to complete the Player Profile Form. Please click here to recommend an 18U coach via the Coach Profile Form.

To be considered for the National Team Identification Series process, please find the specific region that applies to you here.